Viggeray is a name that was brought to England by the ancestors of the Viggeray family when they migrated to the region after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The Viggeray family lived in Devon. Their name, however, is a reference to La Vacherie,Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Early History of the Viggeray family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Viggeray research.Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1490 and 1561 are included under the topic Early Viggeray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Viggeray Spelling Variations

Norman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled Vickare, Vickery, Vickary and others.

Early Notables of the Viggeray family (pre 1700)

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Thomas Vicary (1490-1561), an early English physician, surgeon and anatomist, born in Kent, he was, "but a meane practiser in Maidstone." Henry VIII advanced him to the position of sergeant-surgeon... Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Viggeray Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Viggeray family to Ireland

Some of the Viggeray family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 33 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Viggeray family to the New World and Oceana

Many English families emigrated to North American colonies in order to escape the political chaos in Britain at this time. Unfortunately, many English families made the trip to the New World under extremely harsh conditions. Overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the stormy Atlantic. Despite these hardships, many of the families prospered and went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the United States and Canada. Early North American immigration records have revealed a number of people bearing the name Viggeray or a variant listed above: John Vickery, who settled in Barbados in 1654; Mary Vickery, who settled in Maryland in 1724; Ambrose Vickery, who settled in Georgia in 1733; as well as Henry Vickery, who settled in Philadelphia in 1856..

The Viggeray Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.